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diy interiors & crafts, inspiration/design tipsFebruary 20, 2014

DIY starter kit

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Chel asks: “Hi Mr. Kate! You are such an inspiration to me. What are your best tips/tools for a beginner DIYer (upcycling furniture, making jewelry, etc.) that is sort of scared and doesn’t really know where to start!? Keep on creating! You and your team are amazing!”

My Answer: Hi Chel! Thank you so much! I’ve heard from various people over the years that they “don’t know where to start” when it comes to DIY projects. Having some tools and supplies on hand is a great way to give yourself the confidence to at least try a project that piques your interest. Experimenting is key when you’re starting out to just see what different techniques work best and I’ve found that there are often happy accidents in the experimentation process.

Per your wonderful question, I compiled some of my essentials to create a DIY starter kit. You can get all of these items in a one-stop-shop at Michael’s or online at sites like Jo-Ann Fabric. Having these items around will allow you to at least start (and finish many) of the projects that are in our DIY section.

In my kit:

Adhesives. Glue is the stuff that will allow you to stick the finish on many projects. You’ll need a couple different glues on hand so you can successfully adhere different surfaces together. I recommend: E-6000 or Dazzle-Tac for metal, plastic and leather projects. Decoupage medium or Mod Podge for paper, glitter, etc, and a hot glue gun with all purpose glue sticks for pretty much everything else. For wood and furniture projects get Gorilla Glue.

Primary colors in fabric paint and acrylic paint will allow you to mix them an make new colors and quickly spruce up clothing or art, etc.

3 comments

Thank you SO MUCH for answering my question, Mr. Kate! You have seriously made mah liifeeee with this list and have given me the confidence to get started and be fearless! You also inspired my mom by answering through this amazing detailed post and she really needed that inspiration buzz right now so YOU win all the wins ='] <3

Thank you SO MUCH for answering my question, Mr. Kate! You have seriously made mah liifeeee with this list and have given me the confidence to get started and be fearless! You also inspired my mom by answering through this amazing detailed post and she really needed that inspiration buzz right now so YOU win all the wins ='] <3